Theodore Robert Desteunder

Obituary Theodore (Ted) Robert DeSteunder passed away peacefully at his home in Tacoma on September 25, 2009. Born on April 28, 1922 in Los Angeles Ca, Ted lived a full life surrounded by his five children who never strayed far from their childhood home. He is survived by his wife of 56 years Dorothy Rumball DeSteunder and his daughters Liz (John), Pat (Bob), Teresa (Richie), Debbie (Murray), and son Chuck as well as his eight grandsons and one granddaughter. His brother and sister, Ralph and Helena also survive his passing. Ted was a man of many talents. His woodworking and furniture making were well known and sought after by many who knew him. And one of his great pleasures in life was to toil amongst the sawdust and machinery which made up his workshop in his garage. Ted also loved to garden. And though a native Californian, who was used to the dependable southern Californian sun Ted worked magic with the temperamental Northwestern weather. His gardens flourished. Even in his last year when illness limited his movement his garden still produced its abundance as though in homage to the years he devoted to his little piece of earth. Ted served his country in the Coast Guard and, later, in the United States Air Force for 22 years. It was during his world travels in the service that he met his lovely and devoted wife Dorothy Rumball. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to good friends and neighbors Errolle and Jeanne Fraser and to Pat, Dianne, Carol, and PJ of Franciscan Hospice for their wonderful care and support. Funeral Mass will be Monday, October 5, 2009 at 11:00 A.M. at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 7112 S. 12th Street, Tacoma, WA 98465, reception following. Rosary will be recited Sunday, October 4, 2009 at 7:00 P.M. at Gaffney Funeral Home Chapel, 1002 S. Yakima, Tacoma. Memorial contributions can be made to Franciscan Hospice, 2112 - 109th St. S., Suite B, Tacoma, WA 98444.